Do prairie dogs make good pets?
Prairie dogs have been popular as pets for years. The black-tailed prairie dog, Cynomys ludovicianus, is the most common species kept as pets. Prairie dogs are members of the rodent family and are closely related to squirrels. Like all rodents, they have teeth that continually grow throughout life. They are active, playful, and sturdy rodents. They can make fairly affectionate pets if they are purchased at a young age, socialized properly, and given lots of attention.
Prairie dogs demand a lot of care and personal attention though, so they are a significant commitment. They are not suitable pets for everyone and may not be considered the best family pet (especially with small children) as they can become difficult, nippy, and aggressive if not regularly handled or socialized. Due to an outbreak of monkeypox in the USA, a joint order was issued that banned the import of several African rodents, as well as the transport, sale, or release of pet prairie dogs.
In the wild, prairie dogs spend a lot of time in groups. They are social animals who often greet each other with a sort of “kiss.” Unless you can spend a large amount of time with your pet, keeping only one prairie dog is not advised.
What do I need to know about prairie dogs?
- Male prairie dogs are usually larger than female prairie dogs.
- An adult prairie dog generally weighs 1.5–3.5 lb (650–1600 g).
- Prairie dogs reach puberty at two to three years of age.
- Female prairie dogs usually produce one litter per year. Pregnancy lasts 35–40 days, and the average litter contains 2–10 pups. Pups are weaned by seven weeks of age. Pregnant and nursing females may become aggressive towards other prairie dogs, and should be separated from them.
- If properly cared for, prairie dogs have a lifespan of about 8–10 years.
- Prairie dogs do not hibernate but may have dormant or less active periods during cooler weather.
- Prairie dogs "bark" when excited or as an alarm call if startled.
- Prairie dogs can be nippy; talk to your veterinarian prior to purchasing a prairie dog if you have small children.
- To prevent injury to your pet and family, prairie dogs should not be allowed free rein of the house.
What do prairie dogs eat?
A proper, well-balanced diet includes a base diet of timothy hay, orchard grass, or brome hay, with a small amount of rabbit pellets daily. Like rabbits, prairie dogs are “hind-gut fermenters,” which means their food is digested by bacterial fermentation in the lower intestines. For that reason, they require a large amount of dietary roughage or fiber.
Adequate exercise is critical for weight control and environmental enrichment. Obesity is a common problem in pet prairie dogs, due to improper diet and lack of exercise.
How should my prairie dog be housed?
Males can be housed together if neutered and females can be housed together with or without spaying. If a male is housed with a female, neutering is essential to prevent breeding and unplanned pregnancies.
Prairie dog housing should allow space for burrowing, as they are burrowing animals. It is best to provide 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) of a safe bedding material, such as some form of recycled paper or wood shavings (NOT CEDAR).
What health conditions affect prairie dogs?
Dental disease is common in pet prairie dogs. Abnormal tooth growth or dental malformations must be addressed by a qualified veterinarian, especially if you suspect your prairie dog has swellings around the jaw or face or is having trouble eating. “Pseudo-odontoma” is a common condition that affects the upper and/or lower incisors in adult prairie dogs.
How should I choose a pet prairie dog?
Ideally, you should adopt or purchase a young prairie dog.
- The pet should be curious, inquisitive, and easily handled. If the one you wish to adopt or purchase is already aggressive, choose another prairie dog or wait for another litter.
- Ensure the eyes and nose are clear and free of any discharge, as that might indicate a respiratory infection.
- Ensure it is not thin or emaciated.
- Check for the presence of wetness around the anus, which might indicate diarrhea.
- Check for the presence of external parasites, such as fleas and ticks.
- If possible, examine the animal’s mouth for broken teeth or any obvious sores, which could suggest dental disease.
- Ask whether the prairie dog has been surgically altered (spayed or neutered).
What veterinary care does my prairie dog need?
Your pet prairie dog should be examined by an exotic animal veterinarian within 48 hours of purchase. In many cases, the seller requires this visit for their health guarantee to be valid. At this visit, your veterinarian will discuss proper care, diet, and housing of your prairie dog.
Even tame prairie dogs can be difficult to examine, as they are strong and can be challenging to handle if they feel threatened or frightened. They are capable of deep, painful bites. As a result, gas or an injectable sedative may be needed to perform a thorough physical exam. While many owners are concerned about the safety of anesthesia, anesthesia using isoflurane or a similar gas is generally safe, even for sick pets.
Injectable sedatives, such as midazolam, may also help calm an aggressive prairie dog so the veterinarian can complete a thorough physical and oral exam. There is less chance of injury to the pet, doctor, or staff when anesthesia is used.
As is true with all pets, prairie dogs benefit from annual veterinary examinations. Many veterinarians who treat exotic pets recommend a check-up twice a year, especially for older prairie dogs (five years and older). A full physical examination can detect diseases in their early stages, before the pet begins to show symptoms of illness.
A microscopic fecal examination is recommended to check for intestinal parasites. An oral examination may also be performed, with the aid of a specialized scope, to assess the shape and structure of the incisors and the cheek teeth. Other tests that may be recommended as part of a routine wellness examination include radiographs (X-rays), blood tests, and urine tests.
Since most veterinarians do not treat exotic pets, make sure the veterinarian you select has experience treating exotic pets. Your veterinarian should be a member of the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians (AEMV) or the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV).
Does my prairie dog need vaccinations?
Vaccines are not needed or approved for pet prairie dogs.
